Renovating on a Budget: Where to Spend and Where to Save
An honest guide from someone who has done it three times.
By Elena RossiHome Editor
I have renovated three homes, and each time I learned the same lesson: the budget is a negotiation between what you see every day and what you never notice.
Here is how to make that negotiation work in your favor.
Every renovation is different, but certain rules hold true almost everywhere.
Spend on what you touch
Taps, door handles, worktops and flooring are used constantly. Quality here pays off in durability and daily pleasure.
Save on what you can change later
Paint, lighting fixtures and cabinet hardware are easy to upgrade over time. Start simple and improve as funds allow.
Never skimp on the invisible
Wiring, plumbing, insulation and waterproofing are expensive to fix later. This is where a contingency fund of at least fifteen percent earns its keep.
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